Tuition & Fees
Cost of Attendance
An affordable private college education is possible. Together, we can build a future worthy of your dreams.
Ranked a Best Value School among regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report, BVU is committed to keeping college tuition affordable.
College is a life-changing investment, and Buena Vista University is committed to keeping college tuition affordable. That’s why 100 percent of our students who apply for financial aid receive it.
Storm Lake Campus
2024-2025
- Tuition & Fees: Living on Campus
On campus living in a standard residence and Marquis meal plan
| Full-time tuition | $41,798 |
| | $20,899 per semester |
| Food and housing | $11,330 |
| | $5,476 room, $5,854 Marquis board
See additional food and housing options below |
| Total | $53,128 |
In addition, we add $4,246 to the estimated total cost of attendance when determining dependent financial need to cover expenses such as books, entertainment, travel expenses, etc. for a residential student as follows:
| Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment | $2,089 |
| Transportation | $1,834 |
| Misc. | $602 |
| Loan Fee | $68 |
This creates a total cost of attendance, used for financial need determination, for current residential students of $57,721. Your actual cost of attendance will be based on residence and meal plan options.
Residence Options
- Additional charge for suites: $125/semester
- Non-suite medium single additional charge: $574/year
- Non-suite super single additional charge: $976/year
- Suite single additional charge: $1,090/year
Meal Plan Options
- 14 meal food plan: $5,854 with $175/semester Beaverbucks (Required for first year students)
- 12 meal food plan; $5,302 with $175/semester Beaverbucks
- 10 meal food plan: $5,000 with $30/semester Beaverbucks
- Tuition & Fees: Living With a Parent
| Full-time tuition | $41,798 |
| | $20,899 per semester |
| Living allowance | $5,961 |
| Books, course materials, supplies, equipment | $2,089 |
| Transportation | $982 |
| Misc. | $602 |
| Loan Fee | $68 |
| Total | $51,500 |
- Tuition & Fees: Commuting, Not Living With a Parent
| Full-time tuition | $41,798 |
| | $20,899 per semester |
| Living allowance | $15,133 |
| Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment | $2,089 |
| Transportation | $1,945 |
| Misc. | $602 |
| Loan Fee | $68 |
| Total | $61,635 |
Average Aid for New Undergraduate Students on Our Storm Lake Campus
All Financial Aid
$38,000
Scholarships and Grants only
$30,000
Storm Lake Campus
2023-2024
- Tuition & Fees: Living on Campus
On campus living in a standard residence and Marquis meal plan
| Full-time Tuition | $40,190 |
| | $20,095 per semester |
| Food and Housing | $10,896 |
| | $5,266 room, $5,630 Marquis board
See additional room and board options below |
| Total | $51,086 |
In addition, we add $3,398 to the estimated total cost of attendance when determining dependent financial need to cover expenses such as books, entertainment, travel expenses, etc. for a residential student as follows:
| Books and supplies | $1,132 |
| Transportation and misc | $2,499 |
| Loan Fee | $62 |
This creates a total cost of attendance, used for financial need determination, for current residential students of $54,779. Your actual cost of attendance will be based on residence and meal plan options.
Residence Options
- Additional charge for suites: $125/semester
- Non-suite medium single additional charge: $552/year
- Non-suite super single additional charge: $938/year
- Suite single additional charge: $1,048/year
NOTE: Single rooms are not available for 2023-2024 at this time.
Meal Plan Options
- 14 meal food plan: $5,630 with $175/semester Beaverbucks (Required for first year students)
- 12 meal food plan; $5,098 with $175/semester Beaverbucks
- 10 meal food plan: $4,808 with $30/semester Beaverbucks
- Commuter food plan: $1,420/year (Students residing on campus are not eligible for this plan.)
- Tuition & Fees: Living With a Parent
| Full-time tuition | $40,190 |
| | $20,095 per semester |
| Living, travel, and miscellaneous | $2,922 |
| Books and supplies | $1,132 |
| Misc | $1,739 |
| Loan Fee | $62 |
| Total | $46,045 |
- Tuition & Fees: Commuting, Not Living With a Parent
| Full-time tuition | $40,190 |
| | $20,095 per semester |
| Living allowance | $16,840 |
| Books and supplies | $1,132 |
| Loan Fee | $62 |
| Total | $58,224 |
BVU Online
2024-2025
Tuition rate: $475 per credit hour
In addition to the tuition charge, we also include an allowance for living expenses (including travel) and books in a student's expected cost of attendance. All undergraduate students will be assessed a one-time $90 graduation fee for their final semester.
- Full-Time Student: Living with a Parent
| Full time student living with a parent | Tuition | $17,100 |
| | 36 credits taken terms 1-6 | |
| | Books | $1,764 |
| | Food | $2,376 |
| | Transportation | $1,614 |
| | Misc. Personal Expenses | $5,133 |
| | Computer Allowance | $600 |
| | Loan Fee | $71 |
| | Total | $28,658 |
- Full-Time Student: Not Living with a Parent
| Full time student not living with a parent | Tuition | $17,100 |
| | 36 credits taken terms 1-6 | |
| | Books | $1,764 |
| | Housing & Food | $12,732 |
| | Transportation | $2,595 |
| | Misc. Personal Expenses | $8,127 |
| | Computer Allowance | $600 |
| | Loan Fee | $71 |
| | Total | $42,989 |
BVU Online
2023-2024
Tuition rate: $465 per credit hour
In addition to the tuition charge, we also include an allowance for living expenses (including travel) and books in a student's expected cost of attendance.
- Full-Time Student: Living with a Parent
| Full time student living with a parent | Tuition | $16,740 |
| | 36 credits taken terms 1-6 | |
| | Books | $1,728 per year |
| | Living & Travel | $14,148 per year |
| | Loan Fee | $67 per year |
| | Total | $32,683 |
- Full-Time Student: Not Living with a Parent
| Full time student not living with a parent | Tuition | $16,740 |
| | 36 credits taken terms 1-6 | |
| | Books | $1,728 per year |
| | Living & Travel | $22,460 per year |
| | Loan Fee | $67 per year |
| | Total | $40,995 |
Graduate Programs Financial Aid
Alongside personal financial planning, our financial assistance program is designed to make it possible for all students to attend BVU.
Graduate Programs
2024-2025
- Master of Science in Education - Professional School Counseling
2024-2025 Tuition rate: $565 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $10,170 |
| | Books | $882 |
| | Loan Fee | $133 |
| | Background Check | $29 |
| | Residency Fee (Term 6, Year 1) | $100 |
| | Total | $11,314 |
For year 2 of the program, there is also a Term 6, $100 residency fee. Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to the amounts listed above, housing, food, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, and computer allowance are estimated at $24,180 for a student living independently off-campus and $15,266 for a student living with their parent.
- Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
2024-2025 Tuition rate: $592 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $10,656 |
| | Books | $882 |
| | Loan Fee | $133 |
| | Assessment Portfolio Fee | $215 (one time only) |
| | CPCE Exam Fee (Term 6, Year 2) | $150 (one time only) |
| | Residency Fee (Term 6, Year 1) | $100 each residency |
| | Total | $12,136 |
A $250 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your seat at acceptance. It will be applied to tuition and fees upon starting the program. For year 2 of the program, there is also a Term 6, $100 residency fee. Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to the amounts listed above, housing, food, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, and computer allowance are estimated at $24,180 for a student living independently off-campus and $15,266 for a student living with their parent.
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
2024-2025 Tuition rate: $565 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $10,170 |
| | Books | $882 |
| | Loan Fee | $133 |
| | Total | $11,185 |
Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to the amounts listed above, housing, food, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, and computer allowance are estimated at $24,180 for a student living independently off-campus and $15,266 for a student living with their parent.
- Master of Education – Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction
2024-2025 Tuition rate: $300 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $5,400 |
| | Books | $882 |
| | Loan Fee | $133 |
| | Total | $6,415 |
Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to the amounts listed above, housing, food, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, and computer allowance are estimated at $24,180 for a student living independently off-campus and $15,266 for a student living with their parent.
- Master of Education in Special Education
2024-2025 Tuition rate: $300 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $5,400 |
| | Books | $882 |
| | Loan Fee | $133 |
| | Total | $6,415 |
Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to the amounts listed above, housing, food, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, and computer allowance are estimated at $24,180 for a student living independently off-campus and $15,266 for a student living with their parent.
- Master of Arts in Teaching- Secondary Education
2024-2025 Tuition rate: $495 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $8,910 |
| | Books | $882 |
| | Loan Fee | $133 |
| | Background Check | $29 |
| | Total | $9,954 |
There will be a $436 student teaching fee for 12 credit hours of student teaching. Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to the amounts listed above, housing, food, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, and computer allowance are estimated at $24,180 for a student living independently off-campus and $15,266 for a student living with their parent.
- Master of Arts in Teaching- Special Education
2024-2025 Tuition rate: $495 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $8,910 |
| | Books | $882 |
| | Loan Fee | $133 |
| | Background Check | $29 |
| | Total | $9,954 |
There will be a $436 student teaching fee for 12 credit hours of student teaching. Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to the amounts listed above, housing, food, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, and computer allowance are estimated at $24,180 for a student living independently off-campus and $15,266 for a student living with their parent.
Graduate Programs
2023-2024
- Master of Science in Education - Professional School Counseling
2023-24 Tuition rate: $565 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $10,170 |
| | Books | $864 per year |
| | Loan Fee | $117 per year |
| | Assessment Portfolio & Background Check | $164 (one time only) |
| | Residency Fee (Term 6, Year 1) | $100 |
| | Total | $11,415 |
For year 2 of the program, there is also a Term 6, $100 residency fee. Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to tuition, travel and living costs are estimated at $22,460 per year.
- Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
2023-24 Tuition rate: $575 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $10,350 |
| | Books | $864 per year |
| | Loan Fee | $117 per year |
| | Assessment Portfolio Fee | $215 (one time only) |
| | CPCE Exam Fee (Term 6, Year 2) | $150 (one time only) |
| | Residency Fee (Term 6, Year 1) | $100 each residency |
| | Total | $11,796 |
A $250 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your seat at acceptance. It will be applied to tuition and fees upon starting the program. For year 2 of the program, there is also a Term 6, $100 residency fee. Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to tuition, travel and living costs are estimated at $22,460 per year.
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
2023-24 Tuition rate: $565 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $10,170 |
| | Books | $864 per year |
| | Loan Fee | $117 per year |
| | Total | $11,151 |
Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to tuition, travel and living costs are estimated at $22,460 per year.
- Master of Education – Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction
2023-24 Tuition rate: $285 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $5,130 |
| | Books | $864 per year |
| | Loan Fee | $117 per year |
| | Total | $6,111 |
Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to tuition, travel and living costs are estimated at $22,460 per year.
- Master of Education in Special Education
2023-24 Tuition rate: $285 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $5,130 |
| | Books | $864 per year |
| | Loan Fee | $117 per year |
| | Total | $6,111 |
Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to tuition, travel and living costs are estimated at $22,460 per year.
- Master of Arts in Teaching- Secondary Education
2023-24 Tuition rate: $495 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $8,910 |
| | Books | $864 per year |
| | Loan Fee | $117 per year |
| | Assessment Portfolio Fee & Background Check | $194 (one time only) |
| | Total | $10,085 |
There will be a $436 student teaching fee for 12 credit hours of student teaching. Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to tuition, travel and living costs are estimated at $22,460 per year.
- Master of Arts in Teaching- Special Education
2023-24 Tuition rate: $495 per credit hour
| Full time student | Tuition (Terms 1-6, 3 credits per term) | $8,910 |
| | Books | $864 per year |
| | Loan Fee | $117 per year |
| | Assessment Portfolio Fee & Background Check | $194 (one time only) |
| | Total | $10,085 |
There will be a $436 student teaching fee for 12 credit hours of student teaching. Graduate programs have a one-time graduation fee of $140.
In addition to tuition, travel and living costs are estimated at $22,460 per year.
